Energy Systems Research https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr <p><em>Energy Systems Research</em> is an international peer-reviewed journal that addresses all facets of energy systems. It focuses on their sustainable development and efficient use; smart and reliable operation, control, and management; as well as integration and interaction in complex physical, technical, economic, and social contexts.</p> <p>Energy systems research methodology is based on a systems approach that views energy facilities as systems with intricate structure and external connections and encompasses the methods and technologies of systems analysis.</p> <p>Within this broad multi-disciplinary scope, topics of particular interest include the strategic development of energy systems at the international, regional, national, and local levels; energy supply reliability and security; energy markets, regulations, and policy; technological innovations with their implications and future-oriented transformations of energy systems.</p> <p>The journal welcomes articles on advances in heat and electric power industries, energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy and clean fossil fuel generation, and other innovative energy technologies.</p> <p><em>Energy Systems Research</em> is also concerned with energy systems challenges related to the applications of information and communication technologies, including intelligent control and cyber security, modern approaches of systems analysis, modeling, forecasting, numerical computations, and optimization.</p> <p>The journal is published by <a title="Melentiev Energy Systems Institute of Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences" href="http://isem.irk.ru/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Melentiev Energy Systems Institute of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences</a>.</p> <p>Editor-in-Chief: Valery Stennikov, academician of Russian Academy of Sciences.</p> <p>The journal's ISSN is 2618-9992. The publication features four issues annually, with special issues also available, all presented in English.</p> <p>All articles are available online as Open Access publications.</p> <p>The journal is indexed in the <strong>international database Scopus</strong> and included in the <strong>Unified Russian List of Scientific Journals ("White List") - level 2</strong>.</p> <p class="v1MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The journal is included in the list of VAK-approved peer-reviewed scientific publications, where the main scientific findings of dissertations are to be published in the following scientific disciplines:</span></p> <p class="v1MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">1.2.2. Mathematical modeling, numerical methods, and software packages (engineering sciences),</span></p> <p class="v1MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">2.4.3. Electrical power engineering (engineering sciences),</span></p> <p class="v1MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">2.4.5. Energy systems and complexes (engineering sciences).</span></p> <p class="v1MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">In May 2024, the <em>Energy Systems Research </em> was classified as Category 2 (K2) journal. It is i</span><span lang="EN-US">ndexed by the platforms such as Scopus, RSCI, CyberLeninka, Google Scholar, and Crossref.</span></p> <p class="v1MsoNormal">The journal is registered with the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor). The registration certificate Эл № ФС77-84526 was issued on January 16, 2023.</p> en-US info@esrj.ru (Alexey Mikheev) info@esrj.ru (Alexey Mikheev) Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300 OJS 3.3.0.8 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 A Genetic Algorithm for Optimizing the Lifetime of Power Generation Equipment https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0001 <p>In this study, we numerically solve an optimization problem of power generation equipment dismantling dynamics. The mathematical modeling aims to make a long-term forecast that determines the most efficient strategy for commissioning new capacities. This approach minimizes total costs, ensuring the required level of electricity demand. The mathematical formulation of the problem is represented through the Volterra integral equation of the first kind with variable limits. A key feature of the problem is determining the required parameter within the integration limits of both the functional and the constraints. The developed approach to finding an approximate solution to this problem relies on a genetic algorithm and factors in the constraints on commissioning capacity during the forecast period and on extending the equipment lifetime. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is illustrated through its comparison with the existing methods.</p> S.V. Solodusha, E.V. Markova, E.A. Prokofiev, P.Yu. Solodusha (Author) Copyright (c) 2026 Energy Systems Research http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0001 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300 Probabilistic Modeling of Steady-State Thermal-Hydraulic Conditions in Tree-Configured Pipeline Networks https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0002 <p>This study focuses on a problem of probabilistic modeling of steady-state thermal-hydraulic conditions of a tree-configured pipeline network, which occur under the influence of random external factors. An original algorithm designed to ensure acceptable accuracy and high computational efficiency is proposed to solve the probabilistic modeling problem. Alongside the models introduced in the study, the main tenets of the proposed approach are presented and finite formulas for calculating the main statistical characteristics (means, variances, and covariances) of all operating parameters (flow rates, pressures, and temperatures) are explained. Numerical calculations demonstrate the superior capabilities of the proposed algorithm compared to other alternative methods, including matrix stepwise and statistical testing methods, in terms of both accuracy and speed.</p> N.N. Novitsky, O.V. Vanteeva (Author) Copyright (c) 2026 Energy Systems Research http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0002 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300 An Approach to Load Balancing in Power Distribution Networks Based on Electric Revenue Metering Data https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0003 <p>The study focuses on unbalanced power distribution networks operating within integrated hardware and software solutions in Automated Systems of Electric Revenue Metering (ASERM) designed to automate and digitalize electricity monitoring and metering processes. Unbalanced load flows in power distribution networks cause significant active power loss and, consequently, compromise the efficiency and techno-economic performance of these networks. This study seeks to minimize technical power loss in power distribution networks through the development of an Automatic Control System (ACS) within the ASERM structure for balancing the three‑phase network. Previous studies show that modern ASERM implementations lack technologies capable of solving the problem. We propose a method for designing a digital ACS controller whose primary function is to maintain the required phase power levels in specific sections of the network in real time. Conceptually, the method is based on the idea of redistributing load flows between power distribution network phases by appropriately switching single‑phase customers to minimize deviations of phase powers from their set values. To achieve the effective control, criterion functions are built to serve as quality metrics of ACS performance and algorithms are designed to govern the operation of the digital controller and generate controls to be applied to the controlled object. The controls are represented as a digital code containing data on the coordinates of electricity meters of three‑phase network customers that are to be switched to another phase. The findings from the study aim at improving the automation and digitalization of power distribution networks (PDN) and enhancing their reliability</p> T.T. Omorov, K.E. Zakiriaev, B.K. Takyrbashev, T.M. Zholdoshov (Author) Copyright (c) 2026 Energy Systems Research http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0003 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300 An Investigation of Soil Radiation Levels in the Territory of Ulaanbaatar City https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0004 <p>This study focuses on the gamma spectrometry analysis of soil samples collected from 180 locations across every kilometer in the densely populated areas of Ulaanbaatar city to determine the activity concentrations of natural radioactive isotopes, including radium-226, thorium-232, potassium-40, and the man-made radioactive isotope cesium-137. Following the analysis, the radium equivalent activity was calculated, and the equivalent dose rate of the soil was measured with a dosimeter at the locations, thereby revealing the background radiation level of the city's soil. The objective of the study was to establish the external and internal hazard indices, outdoor external dose rate, indoor external dose rate, annual outdoor effective dose rate, annual indoor effective dose rate, and excess lifetime cancer risk at selected locations across every kilometer within the densely populated areas of Ulaanbaatar city. It is important to note that the gamma spectrometry analysis of the samples was conducted by the accredited laboratory of the Nuclear Physics Research Center (NPRC) at the National University of Mongolia (NUM). The findings were processed, plotted on a map of Ulaanbaatar city, and published for each soil in Ulaanbaatar, indicating that the activity and content of the isotopes are generally within the permissible limits. In the future, this study will be expanded to create an ecological atlas of soil radiation in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. This investigation will be an important baseline for future monitoring of soil radiation levels</p> S. Batmunkh, Z. Battogtokh, B. Erdev (Author) Copyright (c) 2026 Energy Systems Research http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0004 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300 Scientometric Review of the 3D Energy Transition: Decarbonization, Digitalization, and Decentralization in Energy Systems https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0005 <p>This article presents a scientometric review that quantifies the contribution of the three-dimensional energy transition, that is decarbonization, digitalization, and decentralization, to the research field of energy systems over the period 2001 to 2025. Records were retrieved from Scopus using a two-level query that first captured the general energy systems domain and then stratified it into the three components. Standardized preprocessing, cleaning, and keyword harmonization were applied. Descriptive indicators trace publication growth and portfolio shares, and network mapping with VOSviewer visualizes keyword co-occurrence and topic evolution. Results show substantial expansion of the field and a shift of the research mainstream toward the 3D topics. Decarbonization accounts for approximately half of the corpus, digitalization for about one fifth, and decentralization for a smaller but persistent share. Integration between energy transition components increases over time, with the strongest coupling along the decarbonization and digitalization axes, and a compact but growing 3D core emerges. Topic maps indicate an early policy and renewables nucleus, followed by acceleration in storage, hydrogen, power electronics and control, data-driven operations, cyber security, and market mechanisms for local flexibility.</p> Alexey V. Mikheev, Nikolai E. Karimov (Author) Copyright (c) 2026 Energy Systems Research http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0005 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300 Machine learning for identifying characteristics of isolated, clustered, and pulsed vapor bubbles on a heated surface under non-stationary boiling conditions https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0006 <p>This paper presents an automated system for analyzing high-speed video of non-stationary nucleate boiling on an opaque steel surface. The method leverages the DenoiSeg deep learning network for robust bubble segmentation under challenging conditions (reflected light, optical distortions) and introduces an algorithm for tracking bubbles and calculating time-dependent characteristics.</p> <p>The system identifies and classifies bubbles into three types (isolated, clustered, and pulsating) to extract the essential boiling parameters, including nucleation site density, surface area fraction, maximum diameter, and nucleation frequency. Validation against manual key frame analysis confirms the system's accuracy. The results not only verify the significant prevalence of clustered and pulsating bubbles but also, thanks to extensive data processing, reveal trends hidden by stochastic noise, such as the growth of the maximum diameter of clusters with increasing surface temperature. The developed tool provides a reliable foundation for building predictive heat transfer models for non-stationary boiling regimes</p> P.V. Khan, A.A. Levin, I.I. Chupin, A.S. Safarov (Author) Copyright (c) 2026 Energy Systems Research http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0006 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300 Production of Refuse-Derived Fuel Pellets from Wood and Agricultural Waste: Technological Solutions and Economic Efficiency https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0007 <p>The study assesses the potential of Russia's wood and agricultural waste for bioenergy. A technology for producing composite refuse-derived fuel (RDF) pellets from this feedstock is proposed, along with an economic evaluation. Optimal blend ratios are identified to ensure the pellets comply with the state standard (GOST) 33103.2-2017 and exhibit high mechanical durability (≥ 93%). Economically viable production is achievable when lignin is sourced as a zero-cost by-product and raw material prices remain below specific thresholds. Pellets with higher lignin content demonstrate the best economic performance. The results highlight that feedstock composition and preparation are critical factors influencing pellet quality, energy value, and cost-effectiveness, which are essential for advancing sustainable bioenergy in Russia</p> E.V. Gubiy, M.V. Penzik, V.V. Badenko, А.Н. Kozlov (Author) Copyright (c) 2026 Energy Systems Research http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0007 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300 Grid Stability Assessment of Emerging Power Systems with DFIG Wind Integration https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/414 <p>Most electricity-generating plants today rely on fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gases and are a major contributor to global warming. Renewable energy sources such as wind power offer a sustainable alternative but can impact power system stability—particularly in developing grids. This study relies on a detailed case study model to investigate the impact of Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG)-based wind turbine generators (WTGs) on the transient stability of the Nigerian power system. Two scenarios were evaluated: (1) supplementing existing conventional generators with WTGs, and (2) replacing gas-fired generators (GFGs) entirely with WTGs. The most suitable connection points for each scenario were identified. Case study results indicate a 9% improvement in transient stability when WTGs supplement conventional generators, while replacing GFGs with WTGs led to a 9% reduction in stability. These findings underscore the need for appropriate inertial support or alternative stabilization measures during the transition to a high penetration of renewable energy in the Nigerian grid</p> I.O. Ozioko, N.S. Ugwuanyi, A.O. Ekwue (Author) Copyright (c) 2026 Energy Systems Research http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/414 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300 Power Quality Improvement in Hybrid E-Bicycles Using the Adaptive Reinforcement Current Tracking-based Super-Lift Converter https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0009 <p>Electric bicycles are becoming increasingly popular as green mobility solutions. However, problems of low mileage, a poor power factor, and unstable charging voltage still persist. This study proposes a novel power management system with a Super-Lift Converter (SLC), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-regulated active front-end circuitry, and a flexible solar panel to address the issues. The system’s design uses a 350 W BLDC hub motor and a 36 V 10.4 Ah lithium-ion battery. A SLC is inserted between the charger and battery to achieve a high voltage transfer gain and voltage ripple of less than 1%. The incorporated FPGA runs an Adaptive Reinforcement-based Current Tracking (ARCT) algorithm to provide power factor correction by generating a synchronized reference inductor current with the input voltage waveform. A 60 W, 36 V flexible solar panel is attached to a secondary input of the SLC to provide solar-assisted charging and extend the vehicle range from 45 km to 50 km per charge. During charging of the 36–42 V lithium-ion battery, the system is powered from a 230 V AC grid, stepped down to 100 V AC using a transformer, along with the PV input. Experimental results attest to a dramatic reduction in total harmonic distortion and enhanced current tracking performance. The proposed system provides a sustainable and compact solution for electric bicycles and similar energy-efficient mobility platforms</p> Shajini G Inba Kani, P. Elangovan (Author) Copyright (c) 2026 Energy Systems Research http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0009 Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0300 Drone Cargo Airships for Energy Supply (on the Example of the Irkutsk Region) https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0010 <p>The communities along the shores of Lake Baikal currently rely on firewood, coal, and petroleum products to generate thermal and electric energy. However, a large proportion of inefficient and outdated electric and thermal energy generation equipment compounds the negative environmental impact of energy facilities in the area. The study explores the possibility of improving the environmental situation through the use of liquefied natural gas. Given the inaccessibility of these territories, the potential for using airships to deliver fuel is examined. A comparative analysis of several logistics schemes for the delivery of liquefied natural gas is carried out. The findings reveal that the use of airships for power supply to new settlements in isolated and hard-to-reach areas of the Central Ecological Zone of the Baikal Natural Territory is preferable to the organization of multimodal transportation. In conclusion, we recommend considering the possibility of creating a pilot industrial test site in the Irkutsk region to accelerate the commercialization of unmanned cargo airship technologies</p> S.P. Popov, D.V. Maksakova (Author) Copyright (c) 2026 Energy Systems Research http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0010 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300 Enhancing Reliability of Fuel Gas System at Combined Cycle Power Plant https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0011 <p>This paper presents a methodology to boost the reliability of a combined natural gas and associated petroleum gas system (fuel gas system, FGS) for a gas turbine unit in a combined cycle power plant. The use of failure mode, effects, and diagnostic analysis (FMEDA) is proposed to avoid unplanned shutdowns of the power plant. This method identifies and evaluates potential types of failures, develops measures to reduce them, and establishes a new protection system. The system includes a gas analysis system (GAS), a shut-off valve system (SVS), a fuel gas controller (FGC), and workstations for an engineer and operator. The gas analysis system has two automatic subsystems with different measurement methods. One of them includes three gas chromatograph analyzers that operate according to the 2-out-of-3 voting. The results of gas chromatography and the diagnostic archive of alarms serve as the basis for analyzing the causes of possible failures. Reliability models were developed to confirm the effectiveness of using diagnostic data from gas analyzers within the gas subsystem. They employ a gas chromatography and a common fuel gas controller. The FMEDA findings demonstrate that a new safety interlock can be implemented without any additional financial outlay for software and hardware.</p> P.A. Batrakov, A.A. Batrakova, E.A. Ryzhnikova (Author) Copyright (c) 2026 Energy Systems Research http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0011 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300 Prospects for the Development of the Gas Motor Fuel Market in Russia https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0012 <p>The study focuses on a gas motor fuel market, assessing its level of expansion across Russia’s federal districts in the context of their specific economic situation and infrastructure capabilities. A unique set of key factors influencing the expansion of the vehicle fleet that uses natural gas as fuel is identified for each federal district. The current availability of the necessary compressed natural gas refueling infrastructure across different regions is analyzed in detail. The effectiveness of government support measures aimed at stimulating both demand and supply in the gas motor fuel market is evaluated. The paper also reviews forward-looking projects intended to further expand the market both in individual constituent entities of the Russian Federation and nationwide. The findings suggest that for the market to thrive, it is vital to enhance the regulatory and legal framework that governs interaction between the federal center and the regions, expand the network of refueling stations, promote innovative projects through private investment, and cultivate a positive public image of gas motor fuel</p> I.V. Provornaya, I.V. Filimonova, V.A. Vakhnova, A.A. Dolganov (Author) Copyright (c) 2026 Energy Systems Research http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0012 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300 A System of Models for Studying the Impact of Hydropower Plants Planned in Mongolia on the Hydrological Regime of the Russian Part of the Selenga River Basin https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0013 <p>The paper describes models designed to study the impact of hydropower plants (HPPs) planned in Mongolia on the hydrological regime of the Russian part of the Selenga river and Lake Baikal, considering various hydrological conditions and utilizing available technical information on the HPP projects. The developed models include software components for selecting an optimal dam site when precise coordinates are unavailable; constructing reservoir configurations and bathymetric curves demonstrating the reservoir water level-volume-area relationships; preparing hydrological statistics of water inflow into the planned reservoir by correlating meteorological indicators with flow; modeling HPP operating conditions based on different criteria. The primary object of this study is the Egiin Gol HPP on the Eg river, a left tributary of the Selenga river. Mongolia is planning to begin its construction in the coming years. The produced models assess the potential impact of the Egiin Gol HPP reservoir filling and operation on hydrological regimes across various water periods in the downstream pool, along its entire length from the HPP dam to the Selenga river inflow into Lake Baikal. The findings from the modeling serve as the basis for further research into the possible impact of the HPPs planned in Mongolia on the ecosystems of the Selenga river and Lake Baikal</p> V.M. Nikitin, N.V. Abasov, E.N. Osipchuk, V.M. Berdnikov, V.S. Gasan (Author) Copyright (c) 2026 Energy Systems Research http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 https://esrj.ru/index.php/esr/article/view/2025-04-0013 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0300